I was worried this might happen! I had become so used - and intrigued by - the idea of Guillermo's version of The Hobbit that this development is a blow.

I'm very glad that GDT is staying on with the script, and good on him for taking charge of his destiny and going on with his other projects ... but part of me selfishly thinks this news is a bit stink. :( Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..." Dwarves: "Pretty rings..." Men: "Pretty rings..." Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded b*****d with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.